What's in a name?

Clarence House, London

Clarence House was built between 1825-1827 to a design by John Nash, and commissioned by the Duke of Clarence, who became King William IV in 1830. There has been specualtion about the title that will be conferred on Prince William on the day of his marriage, (so as to provide his wife with a title and name). The royal dukedom of Clarence is one such name mentioned, and it would indeed be an interesting repeat, as William will accede to the throne as King William V.

The popular press will doubtless continue to call Catherine "Kate", just as they called the late Princess of Wales "Princess Diana". Neither were born royal princesses, so they cannot correctly use that nomenclature.

Clarence House is attached to St James's Palace, and shares gardens with that property. It underwent extensive renovations after the death of Queen Elizabeth, who had lived there from 1953 until 2002. It is now the London residence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and will remain the London residence of the newlyweds. 

Images of the interior of the house can be seen on the British Monarchy website here.

My photograph is from a visit to London in autumn 2008. It is perhaps surprising to note the very minimal security, in the person of one sentry.

These boots are made for walking

The personal walking tour past Buckingham Palace began at Spencer House in St James's. Having read Peak of Chic's recommendation, I thought it was time to visit, as I had not done so before. However, I misread the opening times, and discovered that it was only open on a Sunday, hence the outside photograph with obliging greyhound, and less obliging Royal Mail van. The other pictures are reproduced from the Spencer House leaflet, the beauty of which pains me for what I missed.

I had every intention of going the following Sunday, but Saturday night's partying activities rather put a damper on that good intention. Next time perhaps.

The most ironic thing that occurred to me was the close proximity of Spencer House to St James's Palace, (the former home of the bachelor Prince of Wales), and the adjacent Clarence House, (the current home of the same remarried prince, aka The Duke of Cornwall). Whilst Diana never lived at Spencer House, this twist of history is one that amuses me.

I will not add to the very interesting descriptions that Peak of Chic made about the history of the house, its architects and interior designers.

London in fine weather is a fantastic city for walking, and the Queen's Walk in Green Park a pleasant stroll from Piccadilly to the Victoria Memorial. But our journey went much further on that day alone, about which more later. Good walking shoes are essential, but despite being appropriately shod, my shin splints are still aching after nearly two weeks.